The Nines': Know thyself
A brief, deliberately vague review of 'The Nines'
I have always been interested in this philosophical concept, as well as Plato's 'Cave Parable, 'which has been worked into some of my most re-watched cinematic outings of the past few years (The Matrix, Fight Club, Old School -- OK, maybe not that last one).As a writer, I love the kind of Charlie Kauffman-lite vibe this film has going for it, much like 'Stranger Than Fiction,' but I think much more complex. Ryan Reynolds, who I know many are hot-and-cold over, really displays some heretofore untapped range in three separate roles. Hope Davis is always a welcome addition to any film, but --wow -- where did Melissa McCarthy come from? Have not seen an episode of Gilmore Girls, I suppose I am late to the game, but she is amazing in situations that must seem heart-breakingly true to life for her.John August, who previously wrote Go and is a frequent Tim Burton collaborator (Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride), makes his debut as director and shows a real flair, working with three distinctly different styles, tones, film stock, etc. I have been purposefully vague about the plot, for I think that should be left for discussion. The best part of the film for me was not really knowing much about it going in. I have since discovered a few helpful theories behind things that I would be willing to share for those who found it as intriguing as I did, but was also hungry to dig deeper into the meaning of it.
Posted
Saturday, February 16, 2008 1:46 AM
yojimbo - Are you a movie fanatic? Did you, or do you still collect film paraphernalia and figurines? Were you born a month and 8 days after me? Just curious.......
Posted
Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:57 PM
I've never before been so enticed by deliberate vaguery than now to add something to my Netflix queue and move it straight to the top. Sounds right up my alley. Speaking of Hope Davis (stay with me here), she also stars in Charlie Barlett, which stars Anton Yelchin who was in Taken with Dakota Fanning who has a little sister named Elle who is in...The Nines. Kevin Bacon is so last year.